re: #416 Big Steve

This is a really good point about FEMA and it always drives me a little crazy when there is an emergency and FEMA is blamed for not having shelters open, or bottled water, or the power back on. By law and statue the management of all emergencies is local. FEMA’s role really comes after the initial stabilization phase.

No, it can be involved in preparatory and initial actions. But again, most of that is as coordinator.

Oh, and FEMA cannot do jack unless and until the Governor makes a formal request. (The term is “Stafford Act.” It was a wingnut act to prevent an underhanded martial law to federalization coup against local government.)